Alfalfa Insect Management Studies 1971-77

Three tests in southwestern Nebraska during 1971 and 1972 evaluated insecticides against the army cutworm. Adult alfalfa weevils did not damage new second growth alfalfa in a small plot study during a 3-year period (1973-1975) at Gothenburg, NE. However, excellent control of larval alfalfa weevils was obtained. These results indicated a need to establish economic threshold levels for the alfalfa weevil in Nebraska to prevent unnecessary use of insecticides. Four tests to control the alfalfa weevil with registered insecticides verified the efficacy of these materials under Nebraska conditions. A series of tests conducted during 1975 at the Mead Field Laboratory were designed to evaluate plant resistance, cultural practices and insecticides. The use of alfalfa varieties with resistance to various insect pests of alfalfa appeared to be an ideal control method. During 1975-1977, a test was conducted each year at the Mead Field Laboratory to evaluate new experimental insecticides against the alfalfa weevil and other pest insects of alfalfa grown for forage. A number of the new insecticides showed promise against the alfalfa weevil and the pea aphid

Alfalfa Insect Management Studies 1971-77

Three tests in southwestern Nebraska during 1971 and 1972 evaluated insecticides against the army cutworm. Adult alfalfa weevils did not damage new second growth alfalfa in a small plot study during a 3-year period (1973-1975) at Gothenburg, NE. However, excellent control of larval alfalfa weevils was obtained. These results indicated a need to establish economic threshold levels for the alfalfa weevil in Nebraska to prevent unnecessary use of insecticides. Four tests to control the alfalfa weevil with registered insecticides verified the efficacy of these materials under Nebraska conditions. A series of tests conducted during 1975 at the Mead Field Laboratory were designed to evaluate plant resistance, cultural practices and insecticides. The use of alfalfa varieties with resistance to various insect pests of alfalfa appeared to be an ideal control method. During 1975-1977, a test was conducted each year at the Mead Field Laboratory to evaluate new experimental insecticides against the alfalfa weevil and other pest insects of alfalfa grown for forage. A number of the new insecticides showed promise against the alfalfa weevil and the pea aphid

Quality of comprehensive emergency obstetric care through the lens of clinical documentation on admission to labour ward

Background: Clinical documentation gives a chronological order of procedures and activities that a patient is given during their management.Objective: To determine the level of quality of comprehensive emergency obstetric care, through the lens of clinical documentation of process indicators of selected emergency obstetric conditions that mostly cause maternal mortality on admission to labour wardDesign: Multi-site cross sectional survey.Setting: Twenty two Government Hospitals in Kenya with capacity to offer comprehensive emergency obstetric care.Subjects: Process variables were abstracted from patient’ case records with a diagnosis of normal vaginal delivery, obstetric haemorrhage, severe pre eclampsia/eclampsia and emergency cesarean section.Results: Availability of structure indicators were graded excellent and good except for long gloves, misoprostol, ergometrin and parenteral cefuroxime that were graded low. A total of 1,216 records were abstracted for process analysis. The median (IQR) for the: six variables of obstetric history was five (4-5); five variables of antenatal profile was four (1-5); five variables of vital signs documentation was three (2-4); five variables for obstetric exam was four (4-5); seven variables of vaginal examination one (0-2); ten variables for partograph was seven (2-9); five variables for obstetric hemorrhage was three (2-4) and eleven variables for severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia was five (3-6). The median (IQR) from decision-to-operate to caesarean section was three (2-4) hours.Conclusion: Quality of emergency obstetric care based on documentation depicts inadequacy. There is an urgent need to objectively address the need for proper clinical documentation as an indicator of quality performance

Use of Sleeve Nets to Improve Survival of the Boisduval Silkworm, Anaphe panda, in the Kakamega Forest of Western Kenya

Prospects for development of a wild silk industry in Africa would be improved if silkworm survival during mass production could be improved. A study on the survival of the Boisduval silkworm, Anaphe panda (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae) was conducted with and without protection by net sleeves in two different forest habitats (natural and modified) in the Kakamega forest of western Kenya. Overall, cohort survival was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the natural than in the modified forest, but larval survival was improved over three-fold by protection with net sleeves in both habitat types. In the modified forest, only 16.8% of unprotected larvae survived to the pupal stage and formed cocoons, whereas 62.3% survived in the same environment when they were protected with net sleeves. In the natural forest, 20.4% of unprotected larvae survived, whereas 67.7% survived in net sleeves. There was also a significant effect of season; cohorts of larvae that eclosed in the wet season had significantly lower survival than those eclosing in the dry season (P = 0.02). Sources of mortality appeared to be natural enemies (parasites, predators and diseases) and climatic factors

Survey on prevalence and risk factors on HIV-1 among pregnant women in North-Rift, Kenya: a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted between 2005 and 2006

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Kenya is a major public-health problem. Estimating the prevalence of HIV in pregnant women provides essential information for an effective implementation of HIV/AIDS control measures and monitoring of HIV spread within a country. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection, risk factors for HIV/AIDS and immunologic (lymphocyte profile) characteristics among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three district hospitals in North-Rift, Kenya.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Blood samples were collected from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three district hospitals (Kitale, Kapsabet and Nandi Hills) after informed consent and pre-test counseling. The samples were tested for HIV antibodies as per the guidelines laid down by Ministry of Health, Kenya. A structured pretested questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data. Lymphocyte subset counts were quantified by standard flow cytometry.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 4638 pregnant women tested, 309 (6.7%) were HIV seropositive. The majority (85.1%) of the antenatal attendees did not know their HIV status prior to visiting the clinic for antenatal care. The highest proportion of HIV infected women was in the age group 21–25 years (35.5%). The 31–35 age group had the highest (8.5%) HIV prevalence, while women aged more than 35 years had the lowest (2.5%).</p> <p>Women in a polygamous relationship were significantly more likely to be HIV infected as compared to those in a monogamous relationship (p = 0.000). The highest HIV prevalence (6.3%) was recorded among antenatal attendees who had attended secondary schools followed by those with primary and tertiary level of education (6% and 5% respectively). However, there was no significant relationship between HIV seropositivity and the level of education (p = 0.653 and p = 0.469 for secondary and tertiary respectively). The mean CD4 count was 466 cells/mm³(9–2000 cells/mm³). Those that had less than 200 cells/mm³accounted for 14% and only nine were on antiretroviral therapy.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Seroprevalence of HIV was found to be consistent with the reports from the national HIV sentinel surveys. Enumeration of T-lymphocyte (CD4/8) should be carried out routinely in the antenatal clinics for proper timing of initiation of antiretroviral therapy among HIV infected pregnant women.</p

Understanding the Consequences of Soil Amendments on Host Selection by a Maize Viral Vector (CicadulinambilaNaudé)

The significance of applying different rates of soil elements on host selection by a viral vector was studied in a confined habitat, to understand the mechanism of host selection by the leafhopper (CicadulinambilaNaudé), a vector of Maize Streak Virus Disease (MSV). Field collected leafhoppers were used in a screen house to assess insect settling preferences by evaluating insect behavior towards host plants, exposed to different rates of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers (0, 25, 50 and 75kg/ha.). Analysis of the two elements in the host plant tissues showed significant variation in levels of percent nitrogen (% N: p = 0.031) and phosphorus (% P: p = 0.001). Similarly, a significantly higher number of insects settled on plants treated with a higher rate of nitrogen (21%) and phosphorus (44%), compared to low rates of the same (9% and 28% respectively) (p = 0.019). Host choice by insects was significantly longer phosphorus treated hosts (four days) than nitrogen treated (three days). No significant differences were detected in the analysis of host plants for % neutral detergent fibers, acid detergent fibers, lignin and tannins. However, regression analysis revealed that neutral detergent fibers had significantly negative relationship with nitrogen fertilizer, while and phosphorus showed a negative relationship with lignin. This study showed that fertilizer amendments can critically affect host attack by leafhoppers with amplifications on viral disease transmission

Understanding the Consequences of Soil Amendments on Host Selection by a Maize Viral Vector (Cicadulina mbila Naudé)

The significance of applying different rates of soil elements on host selection by a viral vector was studied in a confined habitat, to understand the mechanism of host selection by the leafhopper (CicadulinambilaNaudé), a vector of Maize Streak Virus Disease (MSV). Field collected leafhoppers were used in a screen house to assess insect settling preferences by evaluating insect behavior towards host plants, exposed to different rates of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers (0, 25, 50 and 75kg/ha.). Analysis of the two elements in the host plant tissues showed significant variation in levels of percent nitrogen (% N: p = 0.031) and phosphorus (% P: p = 0.001). Similarly, a significantly higher number of insects settled on plants treated with a higher rate of nitrogen (21%) and phosphorus (44%), compared to low rates of the same (9% and 28% respectively) (p = 0.019). Host choice by insects was significantly longer phosphorus treated hosts (four days) than nitrogen treated (three days). No significant differences were detected in the analysis of host plants for % neutral detergent fibers, acid detergent fibers, lignin and tannins. However, regression analysis revealed that neutral detergent fibers had significantly negative relationship with nitrogen fertilizer, while and phosphorus showed a negative relationship with lignin. This study showed that fertilizer amendments can critically affect host attack by leafhoppers with amplifications on viral disease transmission

Colonisation of Cotesia flavpipes (Hymenoptera: braconidae) in stemborders in the semi-arid eastern province of Kenya

Field surveys carried out in Mozambique showed that two indigenous cereal stemborers, Busseola fusca Fuller (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and one exotic stemborer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), are the main pests of maize and sorghum in the country. Busseola fusca was abundant at high altitudes (> 800 m) and Ch. partellus was abundant at low altitudes (< 800 m). Sesamia calamistis occurred at all elevations but in low numbers. Of the three stemborers, Ch. partellus was the most widespread and abundant pest of maize followed by B. fusca. Therefore, a programme was initiated to introduce the exotic parasitoid Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to increase natural suppression of Ch. partellus populations. Cotesia flavipes was introduced into southern Mozambique for the first time in November 1996. Additional releases were subsequently carried out in several places in southern and central Mozambique from 1998 - 2000. The parasitoid was recovered from all localities sampled 1 to 3 years after its introduction, indicating that this exotic parasitoid had established in the southern and central regions of Mozambique. RÉSUMÉ Durant quatre saisons (courtes saisons des pluies 1996 - longues saisons 1998), une étude a été menée à Katumani, Kiboko et Ithookwe dans la zone sémi-aride de la province de l'est du Kenya. Elle avait pour but de confirmer les principales espèces de foreur de tige de mais, d'introduire et de suivre la colonisation par Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) de ces foreurs. Environ 6750 adultes de Cotesia flavipes ont été lâché à chaque site à partir d'une semaine après émergence des plantes et répété toutes les deux semaines jusqu'â la récolte. Le parasitisme avant les lâchés a été mesuré durant deux saisons. Le parasitisme a aussi été mesuré pendant la saison des lâchés et une saison après. La parasitisme a été évalué à partir des different stades de développement collectés après échantillonage destructif de 100 plantes à partir d'une semaine après la germination. Ceci a été répété toutes les semaines à Katumani et une fois toutes les deux semaines à Kiboko et Ithookwe, ceci jusqu'à la récolte. Les foreurs collectés sur du maïs étaient les suivants: Chilo partellus, Sesamia calamistis, Cryptophlebia leucotreta et Busseola fusca dans l'ordre descendant d'abondance avec Chilo partellus come étant l'espèce la plus répandue. Cotesia flavipes a parasité et colonisé avec success Ch. partellus et Sesamia calamistis dans les 3 sites pendant la saison des lâchés et une saison après lâchés. Le parasitisme par Co. flavipes était compris entre 7.14 et 25.80 %. La vitesse de colonisation des deux foreurs majeurs de la zone semi-aride de la province de l'est du Kenya est une indication du grand potentiel qu'aurait ce parasitoid à assurer la régulation de population des foreurs de tige de maïs dans cette région

Regional distribution of lepidopteran stemborers and their parasitoids among wild grasses in the semi-arid eastern Kenya

A survey was conducted in six agroecological zones (AEZs) in semi-arid eastern Kenya, in May, 1996, to identify the major wild host grasses (abundance ≥ 70%) for stemborers in each zone. The grasses sampled were Pennisetum purpureum   Schumach, P. trachyphyllum Pilg., Panicum maximum   Jacq, Sorghum versicolor   Anderss, Cenchrus ciliaris   L. and Cyperus   sp. Among these grasses, P. purpureumwas the most widespread and abundant. The survey was followed by an on-farm study conducted in each of the six AEZs to determine the relative abundance and distribution of stemborers, that infested the major wild grasses and their parasitoids . This was done by destructive sampling of 100 tillers, at a three-month interval, from July 1997 to April 1998. The stemborers that infested the grasses were Chilo partellus   Swinhoe and Sesamia calamistis   Hampson. Among these, C. partelluswas the predominant species, with the highest number being recovered on S. versicolor (94.6%). Parasitoids were only reared on S. versicolor, and these were Cotesia sesamiae   (Cameron), C. flavipes Cameron, Chelonus curvimaculatus   (Cameron), Pristomerus   sp. and Norbanus   sp., with C. flavipes causing the highest parasitism (13.6%). Results reveal that S. versicolor exhibited potential for use in the management of stemborers in maize, by acting as a "trap" and "refuge" crop for C. flavipes, between cropping seasons